Family Vacation

With summer coming quickly to an end, Wade thought it would be a good idea to go on a family vacation before he starts traveling again, I go back to work, and Amelia starts at daycare. After much thought about where, we decided to head to Bend, OR. I have been there a number of times growing up, loved it, and Wade has a co-worker/friend there that we have been talking about visiting for a while. So, we packed up the car/dog/kid and started the 8+ hour ride. We stayed at a great resort called the Inn at Seventh Mountain. It was the perfect size with great amenities. It is also only 5 mins outside of Bend and 20 mins from Mt. Bachelor. Due to this we were able to explore the wonders of what both had to offer.

During our excursion of the town of Bend we rented bikes (Amelia in a trailer) to help us get around easier. We decided that because Bend is known for their breweries, we must go and see them. We took a self-guided brew, bike tour and enjoyed learning about the local brews and tasting their fine quality :). I found a new porter favorite and Wade a new IPA. We also took the opportunity to go to where some of the beers are made and learn the importance of hops and the beer making process.

On another day, we headed towards Bachelor and found some great lakes to hike and swim around. We stopped at Todd Lake and went for a refreshing dip in the cold water. Amelia even enjoyed a swim. That afternoon we spent some pool time before heading to Rutger's house for dinner. The hot, dry heat was very nice!!!

Even though it took us 12 hours to get back to Bellingham (stopped to eat, bathroom, visit my parents and sat due to two accidents) Amelia was a great in the car. We are now having to re-sleep train for naps because all of hers while on the trip where in a car seat, stroller, or backpack. She also slept horrible while on the trip (had to sleep in the big bed with a bottle ready each time she woke up. Not easy having a screaming baby with people sleeping around you.), but luckily has fallen right back into sleeping through the night back at home.

I am really wishing that this trip turns into some kind of family tradition!!

Amelia meets the Train

After 6 months of life, Amelia finally met C-Train. In true Train form we met at a restaurant that serves Dutch Babies (Amelia is half Dutch!) for breakfast. Train lives south of us, so it was a special treat on our way out of town for vacation.

This is a special meeting because Train holds a special place in our lives. He has been a friend of Wade's since his freshman year in high-school and he was the officiant of our wedding. Train is also a teacher and one of the smartest people I know. It is great to have him on my side when we gain up on Wade with a political debate. The only time I feel I can win :).

Poor Man's Whiskey

People in trees, hula hoops and the best vegan pizza I have ever eaten (the only vegan pizza I have ever eaten) was all part of Wade's and my Friday night. My cousin's band was in town to perform at Summer Meltdown, a grassroots music festival in Darrington. Josh, and the rest of Poor Man's Whiskey, flew into Washington for a brief appearance before they headed back to San Fransisco the next morning. His band was hoping that the exposure would help them break into the Washington music scene.

So...I have taken it upon myself to help my fellow Washingtonians to get to know this awesome band!! I have seen them preform about 4 times live. All shows have been great, with this past Friday being my favorite so far. Click on the article, check out the music, and if you like what you hear...buy their new CD: Darkside of the Moonshine.


A small clip of Friday night. The crowd was really getting into it!!


My two cousins, Josh and Zack. They played our wedding 5 years ago this month. One of my favorite memories was having all the guests sing along during the candle lighting ceremony. We are very excited for Josh and Hirini's wedding in September.

"God"sisters/Lisa/Developments

I didn't know that there wasn't such a thing as a godsister, because in my family there IS!! I always assumed that if you had godparents, then their children were your godsiblings. For as long as I can remember, Megan has been my godsister (her mom is my godmother). So, when Amelia was born and Megan and Brett became her godparents and Wade and I Lyla's, they became godsisters!! A very special relationship for their whole lives!!

3 generations of godmothers and godsisters on Whidbey Island. This place has been very special to us all. My mom and Robin (in picture) have been going there since they were little. Megan and I have been going there since we were little. This past week was Amelia and Lyla's first time there together. They LOVED the beach and eating the rocks.

For Lyla's birthday, Amelia got her a tutu. We couldn't resist having a photo shoot on the beach. I love this picture because it shows how it went. Lyla wasn't too sure about wearing it and Amelia is more concerned about looking for things to put into her mouth then posing for the camera.

Lisa came up for one of her Tuesday visits. It made me sad because next week will most likely be her last one with Amelia due to me going back to work. Lisa's visits will be in my classroom again. So Lisa, you better come up next week and go to the Lynden Fair with us. You don't want to rob Amelia of that memory do you??

6 Month Developments:

• Sits completely on her own
• Can roll from either side
• Eats solids: When the doctor asked what food she likes, I had to say "all of them." There hasn't been anything she doesn't like and every meal is done with GREAT enthusiasm.
• Raises hands when asked how big she is (grandma taught her this one).
• Gibber jabbers when talked to
• OVERALL, A VERY HAPPY/HEALTHY BABY who is loved very much by her family and friends!
  
  
  

Flip Cup 09' Champions!

This weekend the Koning family (including Grandma and Grandpa) participated in Flip Cup 09! The days were filled with yard games (slosh ball, bite the bag, volleyball, dodge ball to name a few), good food and friends. Organizers extraordinaire, Nick and Bree planned these events and boy did they do a great job. It was all about the details and they didn't miss a beat. All of the festivities lead to what the weekend was all about: FLIP CUP! So what happens when you make a team of WSU alumni? Do I even ask...WE WON! That is what happens when you all minor in drinking games. Amelia and Grandpa during the day. That night Grandma took her home so she could get a good night sleep.

Bree: the hostess with the mostess. She even dressed-up as a flip cup. It's all about the details.

Getting ready for the start of one of our many wins!!!

Flipping at its best. Way to go Wade!

Our trophy! DJ John in the background!!

We plan to return next year and continue our rule as the champions!! Thank you so much Nick and Bree for putting in the time, thought, $$ and organization to make it all a success.

6 months old!!

I cannot believe 6 months has already gone by since Amelia was born. Time does fly by when you are having fun. Having a child in my life has physically shown me it passing with all the fun developments we are witness to everyday. Wade and I are blessed to have such a wonderful baby girl in our lives. Here are some pictures from her 6 month photo shoot from a couple weeks ago. I had them done while down in Kirkland. Erin did yet again a beautiful job at capturing how cute Amelia is :). I am in love with the tutu I found on Etsy made by Saam at Sweet Marguerite.

It must be in the water...

... or the Busch Light! On Sunday, Amelia and I headed south to jump in the mini with Becki/Carson and Anna/Lilah for a trip to Tacoma to help celebrate another AGD babe. Come September, Trix (Jessie) and Geno will be welcoming Baby Boy into our world of Cougness. The shower was great and it was so much fun to get together with some peeps (we missed the rest of you who couldn't join). I can honestly say that we all feel very blessed to have each other in our lives. From helping one another get over stupid boys in college to approaching our 20 + 10 (and everything in the middle), they are a support group I couldn't imagine never having. Thank you Friends!